315: 1.0 Was Just Speed

Curriculum Changes

The evolution of school curriculums reflects broader societal changes, with technology playing a pivotal role. John Siracusa notes the decline of traditional subjects like home economics, which has been replaced by modern courses such as 3D modeling and digital arts. Despite the wealth in some communities, the richness of educational offerings has diminished, focusing more on core subjects like reading, writing, and arithmetic 1. Marco Arment humorously points out that what was once called home economics is now referred to as "family and consumer sciences," highlighting the shift in educational priorities.

The total destruction of every class except for reading, writing, and arithmetic... Even in all of my... rich person town with a rich person school... there's less richness in classes taken in high school than there was in my high school.

--- John Siracusa

This shift underscores the need for schools to adapt to technological advancements while balancing traditional educational values.

   

Health Education

Modern education now includes addressing contemporary health issues like vaping, reflecting societal changes in health awareness. John Siracusa and Marco Arment discuss how vaping has become a significant topic in schools, similar to how smoking was in the past 2. They recall designated smoking areas in schools, a concept that seems outdated today, yet vaping has emerged as a new challenge for educators. Siracusa emphasizes that despite students' intelligence, peer pressure can lead them to make unwise decisions, as their brains are not fully developed until age 25.

Like you would think, oh, all the smart students aren't going to be doing that, because the smart students know, you know, and maybe that's true, but at a certain point, peer pressure and other things can overcome any amount of supposed smarts to make children do foolish things.

--- John Siracusa

This highlights the ongoing challenge for schools to educate students on health risks while navigating the influence of peer dynamics.